Decreased Blood Flow To Heart, Clogged Arteries, Clots, On Clot Buster Streptokinase. Medication Effect On The Kinetics Of Cardiac Enzymes ?

Posted on Fri, 7 Oct 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 Answered on

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I know that streptokinase is called a clot buster and is administered quickly when someone has AMI. You have MI because of decreased bloodflow to the heart. This could be from a clot or clogged artery/arteries. What affect does streptokinase have on the kinectics of cardiac enzyme appearance and clearance?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (-5 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Streptokinase itself is an enzyme which when activated causes dissolution of the clot that is deposited inside the coronary arteries. The clot deposition or impaction stops the blood supply to the cardiac musculature distal to the area affected by clot thus causing cardiac muscle ischemia.
Streptokinase is given as soon as possible after there is ischemic pain so that the clot can be dissolved prior to the setting in of ischemia. Once the cardiac muscle's oxygen supply through blood is compromised, irreversible damage to the cardiac musculature sets in.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T